Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university in Troy, New York, will pilot a new academic calendar that allows students to spend a semester completing off-campus programs.

The program will eventually be a requirement for all students.

“It aligns with and prepares students to face the challenges they will see in the 21st century,” said Prabhat Hajela, provost at Rensselaer.

Students who participate in the program, called the summer arch, will attend a full summer semester between their sophomore and junior years. Students will then take one semester during their junior year to complete an off-campus program. Those off-campus programs might include international experiences, internships, co-ops, research projects and community service projects.

The first of two pilot programs begins in 2017. The program will be a requirement for all members of the class of 2021.

Rising juniors in the school of engineering and from some programs in other schools will be the first to participate in the pilot program. The following year, rising juniors in any of the private university's schools will be able to participate.

Rensselaer enrolls more than 7,000 students. It is the largest private school in the Albany area.